New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo unveiled plans on Sunday to establish a Chief Innovation Officer if elected, promising to make the city a global leader in blockchain, crypto, and emerging technology development.
Cuomo, running as an independent, said the proposed office would serve as a central hub for tech-driven public policy, overseeing collaboration between city agencies, private startups, and academic partners. The initiative aims to attract investment, modernize city services, and expand high-paying jobs in frontier industries.
“The next mayor must ensure New York is leading in the technologies that will define the next century, AI, blockchain, and biotech,” Cuomo said during his announcement, calling the innovation post a “cornerstone” of his economic platform.
A Public-Private Strategy for Growth
Under Cuomo’s proposal, the Chief Innovation Officer would work to secure venture investment and partnerships across sectors, while also identifying ways to integrate smart technologies into public infrastructure. An innovation council, composed of executives and researchers in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and biotechnology, would advise the office on long-term strategy.
The plan reflects Cuomo’s broader pitch to restore New York’s reputation as a global tech capital, emphasizing digital finance, scientific innovation, and urban modernization.
If implemented, the position would mark the first dedicated blockchain and crypto leadership role within a major U.S. municipal government, signaling a shift toward integrating emerging technologies directly into city governance.
